Stepping up and Supporting Colleagues: Teacher Leadership during the COVID-19 Pandemic in US National Blue Ribbon Schools

Abstract

ABSTRACT Literature has examined teacher leadership (TL) roles, definitions, applications in schools, and, most recently, its presence in high-performing public schools, like the US National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS). This study featured principal and teacher leader interviews (n = 20) from NBRS recognized during the pandemic (2020 and 2021), alongside their schools’ program applications. This study concerned how TL contributed to these schools’ continued success during the pandemic. Results included themes of a wide breadth of TL work, cultural and strategic school supports for teacher leaders, and humility and commitment of teacher leaders.